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Occasional in Belgium

Scam in BelgiumTheft

Theft of unattended belongings in Belgium

Bars in Leuven. Petty theft is also common in Brussels.

How it works

An unattended item is taken while its owner is elsewhere or distracted. Jackets left unattended in Leuven bars are specifically at risk.

Warning signs

  • Your jacket or bag is left out of sight.
  • Valuables are inside a jacket left on a chair.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your jacket and bag within sight.
  2. Take your phone, wallet and keys with you when leaving your seat.
  3. Check that you have everything before leaving a bar.

If it happens to you

Ask staff whether the item has been handed in. If it was stolen, report it to police and secure any cards or accounts involved.

  1. Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive seller.
  2. Call 112 if anyone is hurt, threatened or in immediate danger.
  3. Block stolen cards promptly. Contact your card issuer about any payment you believe was fraudulent.
  4. If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and secure important accounts.
  5. Report the incident to police. Keep receipts, payment records, photos and a written account of what happened. Ask for a report reference.
  6. Contact your insurer if you have cover. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
Where it happensBars in Leuven. Petty theft is also common in Brussels.Brussels, Leuven

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BelgiumBicycle theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the theft of unattended belongings scam in Belgium?

An unattended item is taken while its owner is elsewhere or distracted. Jackets left unattended in Leuven bars are specifically at risk.

How can I spot it early?

Your jacket or bag is left out of sight. Valuables are inside a jacket left on a chair.

How do I avoid theft of unattended belongings in Belgium?

Keep your jacket and bag within sight. Take your phone, wallet and keys with you when leaving your seat. Check that you have everything before leaving a bar.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask staff whether the item has been handed in. If it was stolen, report it to police and secure any cards or accounts involved.

Where in Belgium does this happen?

Bars in Leuven. Petty theft is also common in Brussels. It has been reported in Brussels, Leuven.

How common is this scam in Belgium?

Occasional. Belgium is generally safe, but pickpocketing and petty theft are common in Brussels. Other concerns include bicycle theft, unattended belongings being stolen, tourist-trap diamond shops in Antwerp and pushy sweet sellers in Ghent.

Are there similar scams in Belgium?

Yes: pickpocketing, bicycle theft.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, fire or medical help. In Brussels, it works from a mobile phone even without a SIM card. Police: report theft or suspected fraud at a police station. The police number given for Antwerp and Leuven is 101. Antwerp police, non-urgent inquiries: call 0800/12312 free of charge for a non-urgent inquiry or help finding the nearest police station. Leuven local police: call +32 16 21 06 11, or 016 21 06 11 from a local landline. The city centre police station is next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a stolen card and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: use the contact details on your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for your claim.

What number do I call in an emergency in Belgium?

Emergency services: police, fire and ambulance: 112, Police assistance, listed for Antwerp and Leuven: 101.

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